Making Digital Accessibility Inclusive
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Inclusive digital access with Legal compliance, especially for public-facing services.
Equally Act 2010:
Requires organisation to make reasonable adjustments so disabled people are not disadvantaged when accessing services, including digital ones.
Public sector bodies (website and mobile application) Accessibility Regulations 2018
Applies to central and local government, NHS Schools, and contractors delivering public services. Sites and apps must
Meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA
Publish a clear accessibility statement
Fix know issues unless a disproportionate burden applies
Private and voluntary sector
While not covered by the 2018 regulations, they are still bound by the equality act and exposed to legal risk if digital services are inaccessible.
Good practice: Treat WCA 2.2 AA as the minimum standard for all UK organisations, not just public bodies.
Design for accessibility from the start (not a bolt-on)
inclusive design reduces costs and improves usability for everyone.
Key design principles (mapped to WCAG)
Perceivable captions on videos alt text on images sufficient colour contrast
Operable full keyboard navigation logical focus order
Understandable plain English consistent layouts clear error messages
Robust screen-reader compatibility across devices and browsers.
Uk-specific tools and guidance
GOV.UK Design System-accessibility -tested components for public services
Regular accessibility adults during beta stages GSD practice)
Best practice test with disabled users, not just automated tools.
Tackle the Digital Divide: access, devices, and affordability
Accessibility alone is not not inclusion if people lack connectivity or equipment.
Around millions of UK adults still struggle with:
No home internet
Inability to afford data or devices
Low confidence or basic digital skills
Community solutions show to work:
National Device Bank-free refurbished devices
National Databank-free mobile data and connectivity
Hyperlocal digital support Hubs in libraries and community centres
Tip for councils and services providers: pair online services with device, data and skills support-otherwise exclusion persists.
Support digital skills confidence
Inclusive access depends on peoples ability to use digital services, not just technology.
Effective Uk approaches include:
free bite-sized skills training (email, online forms, NHS apps)
Assisted digital options (phone or face-face support alongside online)
Confidence-building for older adults and people with disabilities
key insights; digital exclusion is often about fear and confidence, not intelligence or willingness.
Offer alternatives and assisted digital routes
Maintain non-digital options (phone, post in-person), especially for essential services
Provide assisted digital help, where staff guide users through online processes
Avid" digital-only by default" for healthcare, benefits, housing, and financial services.
Use evidence-based framework and partnership
To scale inclusion, organisations should rely on proven UK models:
Good Things Foundation: national research, policy guidance, and delivery partners
Minimum Digital Living Standard (MDLS): defines what households needs to participate fully in a digital society (devices, data skills, support)
Local authority collaboration and community-led delivery models
How to get started (practical checklist
Audit your website/app against WCAG 2.2 AA
Publish an accessible honest accessibility statement
Include disabled users in testing
Provide assisted and offline access routes
Partner with local digital inclusion groups
Measure who is not using your services-and why
For basic levels of digital help, please contact Park View Project
Tel: 0191 4661667
